The altar at Saint Mary Magdalene's parish, Orange, California
Acolyte - A lay man or boy who ministers by assisting in the liturgy.
Alb - The basic liturgical vestment worn by the ministers at the Holy Eucharist. It is a white linen
gown, closed at the throat and hanging to the ankles, with close sleeves.
Altar - The stone or wooden table at which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. The altar is sometimes
called the "holy table."
Altar rail (or communion rail, or sanctuary rail) - A low wall or railing separating the sanctuary
from the choir or nave; it is customary for worshipers to kneel at the altar rail to
receive the Holy Communion.
Ambo - A pulpit or lectern, or a structure that serves both purposes.
Anthem - A text from Scripture or from the Liturgy which is sung during a service. (The word comes from the
Greek "antiphon," meaning a verse sung in response to a psalm or other Scripture passage.)
Apostolic Succession - Every bishop of the Church Catholic is ordained by the laying on of hands by one or more
(usually at least three) other bishops, and so it has been back to the first century when the first bishops were
ordained by the Apostles themselves; but a true Apostolic succession also requires that they continue in the
Apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Archbishop - A bishop who is also the Metropolitan of a province, or otherwise has primacy of honour
or authority over other bishops.
Archdeacon - The chief administrative officer of a diocese, administering spiritual as well as temporal
matters. In ancient times, the archdeacon was the senior deacon in the diocese; for many centuries the
office has usually been filled by a senior priest or a suffragan bishop. (In England, a diocese may be
divided into two or more archdeaconries for administrative purposes, with an archdeacon in charge of each.)
Baptism (usually "Holy Baptism") - The sacrament of Christian initiation by which sins (original and actual)
are washed away and a person is made a member of the Church and a joint-heir with Christ in his Kingdom.
Baptism is administered by immersion in water, or by the pouring of water, with the Scriptural formula,
"I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Biretta - A kind of cap worn by the clergy. In the eighteenth century it was transformed from
the soft, functional headwear seen in Renaissance paintings into a stiff, ornamental thing characterized
by three vertical ridges and topped with a pompom. English custom retained a softer form, but developed
four sharp corners; the English square the cap is now often called a "Canterbury cap." (The academic
"mortarboard" is a further development of the same type of cap.)
Bishop - A clergyman in the highest order. Bishops are ordained as pastors over a particular church
(i.e., a diocese), and have the ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and
governing the Church. (The word comes from the Greek "episkopos," meaning "overseer.")
Book of Common Prayer - The book containing the forms of the common (i.e., public) prayers of the church,
including the normal church services and the forms for administering the sacraments. The first Book of
Common Prayer was published in 1549; the latest American edition is that of 1928 and the latest Canadian
edition is that of 1962.
Canon - A rule or standard, often in the form of a list. The Canon of Scripture is the list of all of
the books of the Bible accepted by the Church as inspired. The Canon of Saints is
the list of all of the holy men and women whose heavenly birthdays are commemorated by the Church. The
canon law consists of the canons, or laws, of the Church. The officers of
a cathedral or diocese are called "canons" (in Latin, "canonici," or canonical men) because they are on
the list of such officers.
Canon Law - (Also, "ecclesiastical law.") The body of law that governs Church institutions; it includes
the general law of the Church (including the decrees of the seven ecumenical
councils of the early Church), the constitutions and canons of the jurisdiction, province, and diocese,
and the body of jurisprudence interpreting and applying the law.
Canticle - A short song consisting of verses of Scripture set to music, sung in the liturgy.
Cathdera - The official chair of the bishop in the cathedral (or pro-cathedral) of his diocese.
Cathedral - The principal church building in a diocese, where the bishop's chair (cathedra) is placed.
Chancel - The part of a church building that contains the choir and sanctuary. In most older churches,
the chancel was separated from the nave by a screen of stone, metal,or wood
(the "rood screen"), and the name "chancel" is derived from the Latin word for screen ("cancellus").
Chaplain - A minister in charge of a chapel, or a minister with care of souls in the military or in an
institution (such as a school or hospital), rather than in a parish.
Chasuble - A kind of cloak or poncho, often of silk, in the liturgical colour; it is worn by a bishop or
priest as part of his vestment when he celebrates the Eucharist.
Childermas - The Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28.
Chimere - A sleeveless gown worn over the rochet by a bishop as part of his normal choir
dress. The chimere may be either of black satin (ordinary) or of red silk (convocation). It
apparently derives from the academic costume of a doctor of theology, and so is unrelated
to the similar continental gown called a "manteletta."
Choir - Originally, the part of a church between the chancel screen and the communion rail;
the word has come to refer to the choristers or singers, whose seats were in the choir.
Services conducted from the choir, rather than from the sanctuary, are called the "choir
offices," and the vestment worn when officiating or assisting in choir, rather than at the altar,
are called the "choir vestment."
Colour, liturgical - The vestments of the clergy and the paraments in the church building
(including the altar frontal, pulpit hanging, etc.) vary in colour according to the season of the
Church year or the particular holy day being observed. There have been numerous colour
schemes, but, since the late sixteenth century the Western custom has been to use: white
(or gold) in Christmastide and Eastertide and on the Feasts of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and Saints who were not martyred, and at weddings and baptisms; red on Whitsun
Day, the Feasts of Martyrs and Evangelists, and at ordinations and confirmations; purple
(or violet) during the penitential seasons of Advent, pre-Lent, and Lent, for vigils, and
sometimes at funerals; and green for the ordinary times after Epiphany and Trinity. Black
is sometimes used for funerals and on Good Friday and All Souls' Day; rose (or ashes-of-
roses) is sometimes used on the third Sunday in Advent and the fourth Sunday in Lent.
Confirmation - The sacramental completion of Christian initiation, comprising "sealing" by the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation is administered by a bishop by laying of of hands and (usually) annointing with chrism.
Cope - An ornamental cape, often of silk, in the liturgical colour, worn by clergy (and some
others) in processions and on solemn occasions. The rubrics of the English Book of
Common Prayer permit the wearing of the cope for the celebration of the Eucharist (as the
cope and chasuble both derived originally from the same item of apparel, the paenula).
Credence (or credence table) - A shelf or table within the sanctuary, to the side of the altar,
on which the sacred vessels and the elements are placed until they are used in the
Eucharist. (The Italian form of this word, "credenza," is familiar as the name of an item of
furniture that fulfils a similar secular function.)
Dalmatic - A tunic with wide sleeves, falling at least to the knees; it is the normal liturgical
vestment of the deacon, and is sometimes worn by other clergy. The dalmatic should
ordinarily match the celebrant's chasuble in colour and fabric. (The name comes from the
ancient land of Dalmatia [modern Croatia], where a tunic of this sort was worn.)
Deacon - A clergyman in the lowest order. Deacons are ordained for the works of charity,
teaching, and administration, and to assist the bishops and priests. (The word comes from
the Greek "diakonos," meaning "minister" or "waiter.")
Dean - A senior clergyman. The chief officer of a cathedral has the title "dean," as does
the head of a seminary. The senior clergyman in a particular region of a diocese is called
a "dean" or "rural dean." (The word comes from the Latin "decanus," meaning "officer in
charge of ten men.")
Diocese - A particular church and the area in which it is situated. A diocese has a bishop
as its pastor and usually comprises a number of parishes, as well as missions, schools,
charitable institutions, and so forth.
Ecumenical Council (or Oecumenical Council) - A gathering to which all of the bishops of
the whole inhabited world (in Greek, "oikumene") are called to address the common needs
and concerns of the entire Church militant here in earth. To date, there have been seven
ecumenical councils: Nicea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451),
Constantinople (553), Constantinople (690), Nicea (787). There have, of course, been no
ecumenical councils since the schism between the Eastern and Western churches in 1054;
certain councils of the Western church (including four held at the Lateran Palace in Rome)
are sometimes, but inaccurately, called "ecumenical."
Egg Sunday - Quinquagesima Sunday, or the Sunday before Lent, in English customary
usage. (The name apparently refers to this being a last opportunity for high living before
the Lenten fast.) In the seventeenth century, the secular observance of "Egg Saturday"
involved the playing of pranks by youngsters and students.
Eucharist (usually "Holy Eucharist") - The principal service of the Christian Church, celebrated
in keeping with the Lord's own instruction to "do this in remembrance of me." (The word is from
the Greek, meaning "to give thanks.")
Evening Prayer (often called "Evensong") - The daily evening service of prayer, praise, and Scripture reading.
Feast - A holy day of celebration, usually in honour of our Lord or of the Saints. (The
secular meaning of feast, i.e., a large or sumptuous meal, derives from the celebratory
nature of holy days.)
Font - The fixture containing the water in which baptisms are performed. It is usually made of stone.
Friars - Men in religious orders committed to work in the world. Examples of friars are
Franciscans and Dominicans.
Good Friday - The Friday of Holy Week is the only day of the year that the Church calls "good."
It is the anniversary of the passion, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ. (It is sometimes
said that the name of this fast day was originally "God's Friday.")
Hallowmas - The Feast of All Saints (or "All Hallows"), November 1. (Hallowe[v]en is the
vigil of All Hallows' Day.)
Holy Thursday - In English usage, this has always meant the Feast of the Ascension (the
fortieth day after Easter Day). (In continental or Roman usage, "Holy Thursday" means the
Thursday in Holy Week, or Maundy Thursday.)
Hood - An ornamental (not practical) hood, usually of silk, worn by college graduates to
indicate their academic degree. Hoods vary in size, shape, and colour depending on the
university, faculty, and degree. The hood, worn over the cassock and surplice, is part of the
normal choir vestment.
Lady Day - The Feast of the Annunciation, March 25. (The Feast of the Dormition [or,
sometimes, "Assumption"] of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, is sometimes called
"Lady Day in August.")
Lammas (Day) - The Feast of Saint Peter in Chains, August 1. "Lammas" is supposed to
come from the Old or Middle English words for "Loaf Mass," indicating a offering of the first
fruits of the fields.
Lectionary - A table appointing Scripture lessons to be read at services, or a book containing the readings.
Magnificat - A canticle, the Song of Mary, from the first chapter of Saint Luke's Gospel,
sung at daily Evening Prayer. (From the first words of the canticle in Latin: "Magnificat
anima mea Dominum," meaning "my soul doth magnify the Lord.")
Martinmas - The Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, November 11.
Maundy Thursday - Thursday in Holy Week, from the Latin introit, which begins
"Mandatum nouum . . ." ("A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another.")
The principal Eucharist of the day commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper, and
is followed by the stripping of the altars. The "Maundy [ritual]" comprises the washing of the
feet of the members of the congregation or of the poor.
Metropolitan - The chief bishop of a province (originally the bishop of the "mother city"--in
Greek "meter polis"--of the province).
Missal - A book containing all of the texts used for the celebration of the Eucharist, including
the Scripture lessons and the liturgical formulas.
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Mitre (or Miter) - The ceremonial headdress of a bishop or abbot; the front and the back of
the mitre rise to points, and there are two "infulae" (or "lappets") that hang from the back of
the mitre down to the wearer's shoulders.
Monks - Men in religious orders committed to a balanced life of work and prayer in stable communities.
Most monks are Benedictines.
Morning Prayer (also called "Matins) - The daily morning service of prayer, praise, and Scripture reading.
Nave - The main body of a church building, where the congregation sits.
(The name comes from the supposed resemblance of the roof to an upturned ship [Latin, navis].)
Offertory - The point in the Liturgy of the Eucharist during which the elements are received and
prepared; the tithes and alms of the people may also be collected and offered at this time.
Oratory - A private chapel, often in a home or institution (such as a hospital or rest home).
Orders (usually "Holy Orders) - The sacrament by which men are set apart, by the laying on of hands
and by prayer, for the ministry of the Church; the ministry is of three orders: bishops, priests,
and deacons.
Parish - A defined, self-supporting community within a diocese; a parish has a priest as its pastor;
the parish is usually defined geographically, although in extraordinary circumstances it might be
defined on some other basis (such as language).
Penance - The sacramental reconciliation of penitents by confession and absolution.
Prayer Book (formally, "Book of Common Prayer" - A book containing the authorized forms of services
and for the administration of the sacrament; the first Prayer Book was published in 1549, and the
most recent were published in 1928 (USA) and 1962 (Canada).
Prelate - A high ranking church official; in Anglican use, the word almost always signifies a bishop.
In continental use, other dignatories, such as archdeacons, deans, canons, etc., may be styled "minor prelates."
Priest (or Presbyter) - A clergyman ordained for the care of souls and the administration of
the sacraments. A man must serve as a deacon for a time (normatively, one year) before
he may be ordained to the priesthood. (The word comes from the Greek "presbuteros,"
meaning "elder.")
Primate - The senior bishop of a country. The title is usually attached to the oldest episcopal see
in a country; so, for example, the Archbishop of Armagh is "Primate of all Ireland."
Province - A federation of dioceses, usually geographically contiguous.
Psalter - The book of Psalms in the Bible, especially as appointed for use in the daily services
of Morning and Evening Prayer.
Quicunque vult - The so-called "Athanasian Creed," from the first words in Latin, meaning
"whoever would be saved . . ." In England (and some other places) the Quicunque vult is said
or sung at services on the major feast days.
Reader (or "Lay Reader") - A layman admitted and licensed to conduct Church services in the
absence of a priest.
Rector - The pastor of a parish. Once instituted as the rector of a parish, a clergyman may
not be removed except for good cause in accordance with canon law.
Religious - In a technical sense, pertaining to the consecrated life or one so consecrated.
Religious communities included orders of monks, friars, canons, clerks, nuns, and sisters.
(The word comes from the Latin, "religere," meaning "to be bound"; and it may be related to
the Lating "regula," meaning "rule," and referring to the rules by which the religious are bound.)
Rogation Days - The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday immediately preceding the
Feast of the Ascension, together with the fifth Sunday after Easter (Rogation Sunday), are
days of solemn invocation of God's blessing on the fields, flocks, and herds. In older
times, the Rogation Days were marked by processions "beating the bounds" (i.e.,
"beding," or praying, around the boundary lines) of the parish.
Rood - A cross or crucifix.
Rood screen - An architectural screen of stone, wood, or metal separating the chancel
from the nave of a church building. It is called a "rood screen" because it is customary to
set a crucifix at the top of the screen.
Sacrament - An outward and visible sign conveying inward and spiritual grace. There are two
"dominical" sacraments regarded as generally (i.e., universally) necessary, Holy Baptism and
Holy Communion; and there are five commonly called sacraments, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony,
Holy Orders, Penance (Reconciliation of Penitents), and the Unction (Annointing) of the sick.
Sacristan - A person whose job is to maintain the church building and grounds, as well, in
former times, as to ring the bells and to dig the graves in the churchyard. In English
customary usage, the word "sacristan" is pronounced (and often spelled) as "sexton."
Sacristy - A room adjacent to the sanctuary where the vestments and sacred vessels are
kept and where the ministers prepare for services.
Sanctuary - The part of the church building immediately around the altar, usually
separated from the rest of the church by the communion rail. (The common protestant
usage, according to which "sanctuary" denotes the entire worship space of a church or
chapel, is to be avoided.)
Scamnum - A bench in the sanctuary used by acolytes or assisting clergy.
Scarf - A scarf of folded black wool (or "stuff," although college graduates are nominally
entitled to wear silk), worn around the neck and hanging at least to the knees as part of the
normal choir vestment of clergy. It is not the same as the liturgical stole, but probably
derives from academic costume. In many places, lay readers are authorized to wear a light
blue scarf as a badge of their office.
Sedile (plural: sedilia) - A chair in the sanctuary used by the officiant or presiding
clergyman. There are usually three sedilia: a central chair for the officiant, flanked by two
chairs for deacons or other assistants.
Shrove Tuesday - The Tuesday before Lent, the day before Ash Wednesday. The name
refers to the ancient and medieval practice of making one's confession (shriving) on that
day. The secular custom of supping on pancakes is symbolic of the ancient and medieval
practice of using up the last of the meat and oil in the house before lent begins.
Spy Wednesday - Wednesday in Holy Week, so-called on account of Judas's agreement
with the high priests, made on the Wednesday before the Crucifixion, to betray Jesus.
Stole - A band of colored fabric (often silk), in the liturgical colour, worn around the neck
(with the ends hanging in front) by a priest when administering the sacraments or
conducting certain services. A deacon wears his stole over the left shoulder with the ends
crossed under his right arm.
Suffragan Bishop (or "Bishop Suffragan") - An auxilliary bishop.
Surplice - The basic vestment for ministers, acolytes, singers, and others assisting "in choir";
it is a white gown hanging to the knees or below, with full sleeves. A shorter version, with
shorter or closer sleeves, is called a "cotta."
Synod - A Church convention; the legislative body of a particular church (a diocese) or a
province. Synods may be called conventions, conferences, convocations, assemblies, or
"representative bodies," depending on local law and custom.
Tabernacle - A small booth, on or behind the altar, in which the consecrated elements of the
Holy Eucharist are reserved. In older times, reservation was often in a vessel suspended over
the altar, called a "pyx" or "hanging pyx."
Te Deum Laudamus - A canticle, traditionally ascribed to Saint Ambrose and often called the "Abrosian Hymn,"
used at Morning Prayer on Sundays and festivals. (From the first words in Latin, meaning "we praise thee,
O God!")
Theotokos - A theological title for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is Greek for "God-bearer," and is
usually rendered in English as "Mother of God." Use of this title affirms that Jesus Christ was
God incarnate from the moment of his conception.
Tippet - Originally the academic hood or part of the hood. Nowadays generally used for
the scarf, worn as part of the normal choir vestment of clergy.
Unction - The sacramental annointing of the sick for physical and spiritual healing.
Undercroft - The basement of a church or chapel; the parish hall is often located in the undercroft,
and sometimes, especially in Gothic cathedrals, there are additional chapels there as well.
Vestment - Special apparel worn in the conduct of religious services. The celebrant's
Eucharistic vestment consists of the amice, alb, cincture, stole, maniple, and chasuble; a
priest's or deacon's choir vestment consists of surplice, hood, and scarf. Often, each item
of ecclesiastical apparel is called "a vestment." The cassock is not, strictly speaking, a
vestment.
Venite - Psalm 95 or, in American use, a canticle based on that psalm, used as the invitatory at daily
Morning Prayer. (From the first word of the psalm in Latin, meaning "O come!")
Vicar - One who acts in place of another. The pastor of a mission or a dependent parish is
styled the "vicar," because he acts in place of the bishop. In England, in former times, a
parish might have a nonresident rector (sometimes an institution, rather than a priest) who
appropriated the tithes of the parish and hired a vicar to fulfil the pastoral duties.
Vicar general - A clergyman who acts as the bishop's deputy in administrative matters.
During the vacancy of a see (i.e., between the death or disability of the bishop and the
enthronement of his successor), the Ecclesiastical Authority may appoint an administrator
to assume the duties of a vicar general; in such a case the administrator's proper title is
"vicar capitular" (because he acts in place of the "chapter"--i.e., the Standing
Committee--of the diocese).
Visitor - An official charged with visiting a church institution (such as a school or monastery)
to inspect the records and to correct errors or abuses. When a diocesan see is vacant (as after
the death of its bishop), a bishop is appointed as "episcopal visitor."
This glossary is unofficial, and is for information purposes only.
Suggestions for additions or corrections should be sent to the webdeacon.
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